By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Muhammad Bello Matawalle, hosted a U.S. delegation led by Dr. David Smith, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Health.
The discussions centered on deepening the partnership in defence health, a collaboration that has already facilitated the establishment of advanced medical laboratories in Nigeria.
Dr. Matawalle expressed appreciation for the U.S.'s contributions and advocated for the expansion of these facilities beyond Abuja and Lagos to ensure greater access for underserved regions.
The Minister emphasized the strategic importance of robust healthcare for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, noting, "A healthy military is the backbone of a strong nation."
He reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing world-class healthcare for military personnel and urged for increased budgetary allocation to defence health, framing it as a critical investment in the nation's security and future.
Dr. Matawalle further highlighted the alignment of these efforts with broader national goals to enhance military readiness while addressing pressing public health challenges affecting both service members and civilians.
He underscored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s dedication to prioritizing healthcare as a cornerstone of national security.
Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, described the collaboration as a transformative milestone for Nigeria's defence health sector. He emphasized its potential to strengthen the overall healthcare system, calling it a model for national development.
Dr. Smith commended Nigeria’s proactive approach to health readiness, drawing attention to the vital link between robust healthcare systems and military effectiveness.
"Health is as critical as any weapon system in achieving military success. The United States remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its defence health system," he stated.
The U.S. delegation’s visit also underscores ongoing efforts to combat HIV in Nigeria. Key priorities include sustaining progress toward the United Nations’ 95-95-95 goals and working toward the elimination of HIV as a public health threat by 2030
